Sunday Salon - Marriage Equality in Hawaii

Big news is brewing! Marriage Equality in Hawaii will soon be a reality. The bill returns to the Senate on Tuesday for a final vote and our Governor is scheduled to sign it on Wednesday. After it's official, my partner and I will be announcing our engagement. This also happens to be the week we celebrate our 10th anniversary together!

Weddings!

Wedding Plans and Creative Jewish Wedding Book

Our plan is an April wedding here on Kauai and a honeymoon trip to Scandinavia in May. To help plan the ceremony, I've been reading a book (surprise) that will help us plan a mostly Jewish celebration. Look for a review soon on The Creative Jewish Wedding Book by Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer.

Book Review Updates

This past week I reviewed Silent Knife by Shelley Freydont and am currently reading Bran New Death by Victoria Hamilton. I guess I'm in a muffin baking mood with this current novel. Last night I baked Pumpkin muffins and used starfruit in place of butter. Really good and low fat.

Are You On Paperback Swap?

Just a reminder about the books I'm reviewing - I post my gently used copy on Paperback Swap for one credit. As a gold member, I can pick who a book goes to. Up for grabs right now is Silent Knife and Poisoned Prose. You can leave a comment on each book review if you are interested (USA addresses only).

I'm off to get a rototiller to plant a new lawn for our pet mule. Hope your week goes well. What's on your shelf this week?

Sunday Salon: Cozy Mysteries and Return of Candy Corn

Rob's Apple Pie. Want A Slice?

My book reviews are back and so is my homemade apple pie that I just took out of the oven. Pie tip: Add 3 tablespoons of Apricot jam over the apples and the flavor will be more tart. After a two year break I'm writing again and hope that you will follow me. What better time to return than at Halloween for this candy corn loving guy. Speaking of candy corn, it was not sold this year on Kauai. I gave up and ordered from the mainland. Candy corn is my favorite treat when writing book reviews.

New Book Review: Poisoned Prose by Ellery Adams (Win a Copy with a Twist)

Oyster Bay characters are my new best friends. I love cozy mysteries and this was a winner. Read my latest book review and let me know what you thought of this mystery. You can "earn" my gently used copy if you are on Paperback Swap. I have Gold Status and can select who a book goes to. Right now over 90 people want Poisoned Prose. If your name is drawn, and you transfer one book credit to me, I'll be able to move you to the top of the list and send you my gently used copy. It's a new twist on my giveaways when I buy a book that turns out to be in high demand on Paperback Swap. 

Currently Reading: Silent Knife by Shelley Freydont

Christmas Cozy

What a title! And the cover looks cozy with holiday lights and decorated trees. It reminds me of a small town in Pennsylvania where I lived many years ago. This book has put me in the holiday spirit early. I have 200 pages to go and a book review coming soon this week. It's been a fun journey so far. The author has combined a festive atmosphere with an unfortunate murder. Can't wait to see how this one ends!

Why I Took a 2 Year Break from Book Reviews

I've been working hard on my full-time business in PR and Marketing. It's going great but leaves little time for fun things like book blogs and reading. I need to find more balance in life and thought it would be good to start back since I love books. Upcoming posts will also include my travels from Jasper National Park in Canada to Tasmania island off Australia. I also have a lot of bookstores to tell you about. Next year will be my first trip to Scandinavia. If you have any tips for Sweden, Norway and Finland be sure and let me know.

How was your week? I look forward to connecting with new and old ageless friends. 

Sunday Salon with The Upright Piano Player

Every so often I take my books and head up to the North Shore of Kauai for a weekend away. Since I live upcountry Kauai, the chance to be next to the beach is a treat for this candy corn loving guy.

Last year I brought The Brontes Went To Woolworths with me. Some of you may remember my difficulty getting into this quirky story. Once I did, I loved it.

This time I came with my brand new Nook. I know. I said I would never buy one. But I did. And I like it.

I also packed a book I just won, The Upright Piano Player by David Abbott. When I opened it and smelled the fresh paper and heard the sound of a new spine cracking, it was like falling in love again. This experience is something that the Nook can't duplicate.

Yesterday I had the luxury of reading The Upright Piano Player in one day. While not really a beach read, the story captivated me. There's also a bookstore woven into the plot although it isn't mentioned often. Here's a quote you may like from page 222:

"Between a book's covers there may be passion, bile, mayhem, or murder, but in the quiet spaces where it awaits its fate (either acceptance or indifference) all is calm."

I feel a review coming this week. Watch for it. Right now I'm going to make coffee with my hand roasted beans and sit outside where a glorious rainbow appears over the ocean.

What are your Sunday plans?

Sunday Salon: Lemon Pie and Murder

This week's winner of a $10 Gift Card to Mystery Lovers Bookshop is Ricki from Reading Challenged. There's still time to enter next week's drawing. MLB offers free shipping too with $10 minimum orders.

Update from last week: I told you about the lemon meringue pie Jeff was making for me and my new bed and breakfast. Well, I took my first reservation today for the beginning of March. And that pie was fantastic. The crust perfection. He served it on a plate that belonged to my mom. I think the plate even predates me.

Book News: I'm finishing up Paige Shelton's sequel to Farm Fresh Murder. She was kind enough to send an ARC of Fruit of All Evil to me. It's scheduled for release on March 1. I'm loving it. Can't wait to post the review. But first I have a long overdue review of One Man's Paradise by Douglas Corleone to publish.

Borders Leaving Kauai: This is bad when you live on an island. My closest bookstore will be Honolulu which requires an airline flight. I'm saddened by the news of lost jobs and a community gathering place. People have started a "Save Borders Kauai" Facebook page but I doubt it will have much impact. Did any of you get hit with a Borders closure?

Lots of writing this week: Mostly for business. I have some good client prospects and need to submit four proposals by Tuesday. Look for book reviews later in the week.

Sunday Salon: Valentine's Weekend

This week's winner of a $10 gift card to Mystery Lovers Bookshop is Michelle at The True Book Addict. If you're feeling lucky, enter by Saturday for next week's drawing.

Cooking. We're picking fresh lemons today from our yard. Jeff's making a lemon meringue pie for my Valentine's gift. This was my grandpa's favorite and ended up being mine too. I'm not sure yet what recipe he's using. Maybe he'll try the one from Paige Shelton's mystery, Farm Fresh Murder.

New Business. Do any of you stay in bed and breakfasts when you travel? I became a fan of them long ago. Last month we decided to turn our home here on Kauai into one. I'm picking books for the room. Maybe the bed and breakfast murder mysteries by Mary Daheim would be good? You can view our listing on Airbnb. And if you come to Kauai, be sure to consider a stay with us.

Next Review. I have a book review for TLC due tomorrow. It's a work of nonfiction which I seldom write about. Come back tomorrow and hear my thoughts about Triumph of the City by Edward Glaeser.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sunday Salon: A Mix of Riskrem, Library Thing and Sedaris

Ending this week: My free giveaway for A Little Fruitcake: A Childhood in Holidays by David Valdes Greenwood (enter by midnight, December 5). You can also comment on my Chronicle Haul-idays post by December 10 for a chance to win $497.49 in books (if I'm the lucky winner).

Holiday Trip: I've got a busy day planned here on Kauai as I get ready to island hop to Oahu. We're heading over to Honolulu for a week of holiday activities. It would be a lot easier if I could load up the car and drive the 100 miles. Instead I'm confined to one suitcase for the plane and need to leave extra room for the shopping I plan to do. I always bring more books than I can read. This time I've narrowed it down to two: One Man's Paradise by Douglas Corleone (in progress) and Charles Jessold, Considered As A Murderer by Wesley Stace (a restart; maybe the second time is the charm).

Riskrem, A Scandinavian Christmas Rice Pudding: Several people asked for the recipe when I mentioned it this week on the Virtual Advent Tour. Mine came from the December 2005 issue of Sunset magazine. When I make it I use whole milk and reduce the amount of whipping cream. Otherwise it's too rich for me. Don't forget to add a whole almond; the lucky recipient gets a gift. I usually serve this Christmas morning.

Library Thing: Anyone doing Santa Thing? I am for the first time this year. When I read the profile of the person I'm choosing books for, I was impressed that all her books were neatly tagged by category and she had a wishlist. My profile, however, had no organization. I didn't even know you could have a wishlist. That all changed yesterday when I brought organization to my profile. I have 544 books which means I shouldn't buy any new books. Right.

Sedaris: I took a break from holiday books this week and read Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. Do you think its dark humor will be a thumbs up or down for me? You may have to wait a week to find out. With our Hanukkah party tonight I think my reviews will be on hold. My partner is giving me the look right now that I should get off computer. Have a good week everyone.

Sunday Salon: Christmas Is Murder and Holiday Challenges

Christmas Is Murder
by C.S. Challinor

Midnight Ink, Copyright 2008
200 pages, ISBN 9780738713595

Overall Rating: 2/5

Holiday Appeal: 2/5

Christmastime in the south of England. A Victorian hotel. Snowbound guests and a murderer on the loose. For an Anglophile like me, Christmas Is Murder, sounded like my cup of tea.

The first clue something was terribly wrong, however, should have been the cover. I know, never pick a book this way, but for a holiday mystery I think it adds to the spirit and enjoyment.

My first problem is that I didn't like any of the characters. They seemed one dimensional until halfway through the book. We meet them all at one time which I disliked. The author listed a "cast of characters" at the beginning which I kept referring back to. I had a hard time remembering everyone.

The second problem I had is that the book seriously lacked a holiday feel. Every so often there was mention of Christmas. It never seemed to be important to the atmosphere of the book.

Rex Graves, a Scottish barrister, is the lead character. He solves the mystery involving three deaths among the hotel guests. The motive revealed at the end seemed far fetched. Nothing added up.

Why was Rex invited to this mess of a mystery? I would have passed and gone elsewhere. You should too.

Moving on, let's talk about the holidays for book bloggers.

I'm joining two reading challenges. The Christmas Spirit beginning November 26, and hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict. Her page gets me in the holiday mood every time I stop by.

Next is the Holiday Reading Challenge hosted by Nely at All About (n). It starts November 15. Anyone joining me?

The books I'm considering are Comfort and Joy by Jim Grimsley, Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle, and You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs. On my wish list is Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop.

I'm also participating in Book Blogger Holiday Swap for the first time and considering A Broke and Bookish Secret Santa (which is what I'll be), and Book Lovers Secret Santa hosted by The Nevending Shelf.

The Sunday Salon: Thinking Holidays

Do you have a favorite holiday cozy to get you in the spirit of the season? I have several which I'll be writing about in the weeks ahead.

Last week I started Christmas Is Murder by C.S. Challinor. I'm halfway through and not liking it so far. Maybe if I hang on longer it will improve. The novel doesn't have a holiday feel and none of the characters are people I would want to be snowbound with. Always a bad sign.

Can murder and Christmas ever be a good fit? Of course. One excellent example is Nutty As a Fruitcake by Mary Daheim. She skillfully wove the holiday spirit into the story line with an ax murderer on the loose.

Several years ago I read Christmas Cookie Murder by Leslie Meier. I loved the cookie exchange in the book. This year I've decided to host my own. Have any of you hosted a cookie exchange before or attended one? If so I'd love to hear your ideas.

This morning during my cup of hand roasted coffee (yum), I signed up for Book Bloggers Holiday Card Exchange. It's hosted by Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog. Take a look.

I'm also thinking about Book Blogger Holiday Swap. Right now I can't participate because I need 8 posts in the past two months. With a week left I think I can qualify. If you've followed my blog you know I fell off the blogger wagon over the summer. Some health, job and family issues took center stage.

I'm back.

Sunday Salon: Day After Lei Day

Yesterday was Lei Day in Hawaii. It's a huge festival in the islands. We went to the 30th Annual Celebration at the Kauai Museum. I'm attaching a picture of one of the beautiful lei that won a ribbon.They also had a book sale too (wouldn't you know) and I purchased A Kauai Reader: The Exotic Literary Heritage of the Garden Island, edited by Chris Cook. (Hmmm..."Kauai Reader" could have been a good name for my book blog).

Right now I'm sipping my hand roasted coffee and taking a break from making preserves. You could say I'm channeling my inner "Becca" who is the protagonist in Farm Fresh Murder. She makes jam to sell at her farmers' market when not solving a murder. With the red stains on my hands right now, from pitting 20 pounds of Surinam cherries, it looks like I've been up to something bad.

If you haven't read my review of Farm Fresh Murder, this may be a good time. I have a giveaway for an autographed copy ending May 8. There are recipes included for making jams and preserves plus some tips on canning.

My reading this week has been slow with business obligations and care-giving duties taking center stage. I'm behind on the Wuthering Heights read-along and hope to catch up this week.

Recently I finished my first Sherman Alexie book. It's a collection of short stories titled, Toughest Indian In the World. The author grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation which is near my hometown.

This week I'm starting Tea and Sympathy for the NYC Reading Challenge and Dead End Gene Pool for the TLC tour.

Now back to the kitchen and preserves.

Sunday Salon: Detectives, Challenges and some Classics

My reviews this week include Born Standing Up by Steve Martin (our March pick for my library book discussion group).

Jen's Book Thoughts is hosting Detectives Around The World Week starting today. I'll be participating on April 16 with my review of Mahu Vice by Neil Plakcy. It's going to be a good week for mystery fans so check out all the reviews and special events planned by Jen.

Whenever I'm on the way to the beach, I always stop at Hanapepe Library where there's a free outdoor bookshelf. I love a good book find. This week I picked up a first edition of Cheaper By The Dozen printed in 1948. With the old books I'm discovering, I plan to join the Dogeared Reading Challenge for "worn out, and beat up books." It's hosted by DogEar Diary.

Normally I only read one book at a time but currently have two going. 

The first is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (did you know she was only in her 20's when the book was written?). If it goes well over the next few days, I plan to join a read along for the novel hosted by Jill at Fizzy Thoughts.

The other book I'm reading is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. I love the writing but the pace has been slow. Maybe it's me?

Finally, don't forget that my contest ends Sunday night, April 11, for a new copy of The Girl Who Chased The Moon.

Wishing all of you Aloha from across the Pacific.

Sunday Salon: Facebook Tip for Book Bloggers and Authors

I don't have a Facebook Fan Page, but I created something similar by using the list feature on my personal profile. Whenever someone friends me who is a fan of Books Are Like Candy Corn, I add them to a list I've created called, "Book Friends." 

Here's why I do this: I can send a specific status update to everyone on this list that can only be viewed by them. Maybe I want to mention my recent book review or giveaway for example (and exclude my personal friends from seeing the update). The other advantage is that I can look at the NewsFeed from this list and see what my book friends are writing about.

There's no limit to how many lists you can create. Maybe you want separate lists for high school friends, people you work with, and relatives. You can also hide people from receiving updates too. This list feature can be helpful for authors who want to separate their fans from personal friends.

If you'd like to create a similar list on your personal Facebook profile, here's how to get started.

1. Go to Home page and click "Friends" in left sidebar.

2. Select, "Create A List," which will appear at the top of center section.

3. Name your list and add friends.

Tip: As new friends sign up you can add them to an established list.

Here's how to send a unique message to a specific list:

1. Write your status update and click the padlock icon.

2. Select "customize."

3. Choose, "Make this visible to," and then, "Specific People."

4. Type in the name of the list you want the message to go to.

5. Click, "Save Setting" and then share your update.

Tip: If you mouse over the padlock, you'll see the name of the list or person the message will be sent to. This update will also appear on your Wall but is only visible to you and the individuals receiving the update.

To see the NewsFeed from a specific list you created do the following:

1. Click "Friends" in the left sidebar of your Home page.

2. Select the group you want to see, in my case "Book Friends," and their updates will appear.

I hope this tip is helpful to you. If you'd like to join me on Facebook, click here to add your name.

Sunday Salon: Jelly Donuts, Tsunami and Books

 

It's been an interesting weekend with our tsunami watch on Kauai. We made jelly donuts to wait out the wave on Saturday. I know, no respect for the media who wanted us watching TV and boosting their ad revenues.

The county woke us up at 5am with a warning phone call and then hourly sirens throughout the day. We were concerned at first until we read a report from French Polynesia at 8 am; the wave was only 6 feet in the Marquesas Islands and a foot in Tahiti. 

That removed most of the concern for us but the media didn't pay attention and kept reporting: DANGER. Before the roads closed there was panic on the island with people flooding the grocery stores and gas stations. We stayed home and made donuts.

Here's a recap of my book news for the week:

Alice in Wonderland. When the roads re-opened at 1pm we headed to the beach. On the way I stopped at Hanapepe Library to see what was on their free outdoor bookshelf. I found a copy of Alice in Wonderland over 50 years old. This version was published the year I was born. I decided to give its well worn binding and pages a home in my library. I'm also going to read it.

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. I finished just in time for my monthly book discussion group at Hanapepe Library. The book was given a thumbs up by most members including me. Look for a review this week.

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron. I scored an ARC from Barnes and Noble's first-look program. We begin the on-line discussion on Monday. I'm on page 40 and need to take a few hours today and get further along.

Wishing all of you a week of Aloha and good books.

 

Sunday Salon: Books With Recipes On The Side

 

Do you think recipes added to mystery plots are a good thing? As much as I love to cook and play Martha Stewart in the kitchen, these recipes tucked away within the mystery have never tempted me.

It's taken an author by the name of Gesine Bullock-Prado to inspire me to try one. Instead of a mystery she's written a true story about her journey from (unhappy) Hollywood executive to a contented country baker in Vermont. 

This week I'll be reviewing her book, Confections of A Closet Master Baker. To write a thorough review with no pastry left unbaked, I'll include my report after trying her Espresso Cheesecake recipe. It's a sacrifice I make for my readers.

I chose Espresso Cheesecake because I roast my own coffee without any machine. Instead I use All-Clad saucepans on a Coleman camp-stove and hand stir the beans. The result is fresh tasting coffee with no rancidity.

I'll make an espresso roast for this cheesecake and finely grind the beans. The recipe calls for a cup of coffee too.

I'm having a sweet start to my week thanks to this book. 

In honor of Valentine's Day I've decided that my next giveaway will be a free copy of Confections of A Closet Master Baker. I'll post the entry form on Monday so be sure to come back.

Wishing you Aloha,

Rob

Sunday Salon: How I Handled A Craft Book Failure

Last year Powell's posted on their Facebook page about a new book called re-bound. It suggests ways to make handmade books from recycled materials like hot water bottles. Immediately I started thinking about all of the possibilities I could use: plastic bags, Starbucks gift cards, old photographs and more.

I almost clicked "purchase" but decided to wait when I saw the Hawaii Library System had a copy. This was a good move because I forgot one important point:

I can't sew.

When the book arrived it felt like a piece of art. It was fun to hold in my hands and the pictures showed so many ideas. But then came the directions and patterns and the need for a sewing machine (which I don't have). After much debate I realized this was too advanced for me.

Rather than admit total failure I sent a comment to Iliana from bookgirl's nightstand. She makes books too and told me to start slower and perhaps take a class.

To satisfy my need for a handmade book, I ordered a beautiful Parisian themed beaded journal. It's made by Iliana and sold on her Etsy store. For thirteen dollars I save myself a lot of grief.

Do any of you have craft books on your shelf that were never used? Please tell me I'm not the only one.

Sunday Salon: Copyright and Book Reviews

Do you ever omit direct quotations in your reviews due to copyright concerns? 

When I wrote my review this week of Dragon House, I changed tactics when I read the copyright statement and learned that, "no part of this publication may be reproduced." 

That seemed harsh. I wanted to get my review posted so I omitted all quotations.

I pulled several other books I'm planning to review and found the opposite in their copyright. For example, The Lunatic, The Lover, and The Poet allows for, "brief quotations embodied in critical reviews." Many of my other books have similar policies.

It feels good to me when an author or publisher specifically states that book reviewers may quote passages. I like that we were important enough to be included.

If you are reviewing a book that allows for no reproduction, do you omit passages in your reviews or include them anyway?

Wishing you Aloha from Kauai and a good week of reading.

Just finished: Walking the Gobi by Helen Thayer (review in process)

Currently reading: The Lunatic, The Lover, and The Poet by Myrlin A. Hermes

Sunday Salon: Rambutan, Tea and Books

I know it's Monday but Sunday got away from me. Our 98 year old Auntie was released from the hospital six days ago and life is hectic. I'm thinking there must be a good book on care giving that I should read. If you have any ideas, let me know.

Rambutans are back in season on Kauai. This is one of my favorite winter fruits. Driving home from church I saw that Judy had opened her rambutan stand for the first time this year. I stopped and loaded up a bag for ten dollars.

Tea brings book lovers closer. This past week a book friend from Colorado was on Kauai. I invited her to my home for Afternoon Tea. We've never met before but have been participating in Paperback Swap's monthly tea exchange for the past three years. I think my homemade scones were a hit. If anyone wants the recipe just let me know.

Books In Progress. I finally finished Dragon House and will have a review up this week. Once it's published I won't be getting any more gentle reminders from Library Thing Early Reviews. Oh, to be guilt free.

Walking the Gobi by Helen Thayer is my current book. We're discussing it this Thursday at the Lihue Library. The book arrived Saturday and I'm really, really into it. Helen writes about her 81 day, 1,600 mile trek across Mongolia's Gobi Desert. I feel like I'm walking with her without dealing with the heat, sand in my face and smell of the camels.

I'm going to be on national radio this week! As I've mentioned before, I'm a travel writer specializing in Hawaii. Arthur and Pauline Frommer called today and want to interview us on their national radio show. We're taping this Thursday. I'll let you know when it airs.

Wishing you Aloha and a good book week.

The Sunday Salon: Trouble for eReaders?

Will eReaders like Kindle and Nook face the same fate that word processors did years ago? I'm thinking there's trouble ahead.

Just like PC's replaced the need to have a dedicated word processor, I think the new Apple Tablet is going to do the same for eReaders.

The Applet Tablet is similar in size to the Nook but offers a PC with Internet and phone. True, it will cost more. I'm betting $700.

So far I've resisted the urge to jump in on the Nook craze. I'm still reading print books. Maybe the Apple Tablet will change my mind.

What's your feeling on this?

Sunday Salon: Dealing with Guilt

I keep getting messages from Library Thing that I owe them a book review. Several months ago they sent me a complimentary copy of Dragon House by John Shors for my opinion.

While I did sign up for their Early Reviewer program, their frequent reminders made me want to read the book even less. At the same time my Catholic guilt set in and I wanted to be free from the obligation.

The only thing left to do is pick up the book and read. After the first chapter last night I'm hooked on the story. That's a good feeling.

The main character (Iris) has decided to return to Vietnam and continue the work her father started. She's a book reviewer in Chicago (how perfect) and is taking with her a disabled Iraq veteran who is a friend from childhood. The opening scene with her father dying struck a chord. It was beautifully written and reminded my of how I felt a few months back when my Mom died.

If I get a chance today I'm going to finish my book review of Out in the Garden, by Dean Riddle. I love the play on words in the title. The author is gay and out in real life too.

How's your Sunday going? Do you ever resent feeling obligated to read a book?